Audiojack on Mentorship, Industry Access, and the Future of House

Audiojack on Mentorship, Industry Access, and the Future of House

Audiojack and Kevin Knapp have reunited for their latest project, the Get It EP, arriving on May 22, 2026, via Crosstown Rebels. This release marks their third collaborative effort on Damian Lazarus’ esteemed label, following previous successes like 2021’s Under Your Skin and 2017’s Implications. The EP serves as a testament to their shared affinity for direct, high-pressure house music that has defined both of their storied careers.

With two decades of experience, the Leeds-born, Ibiza-based duo Audiojack have navigated the evolving landscapes of house, minimal, and garage. Their journey has seen them release music on iconic imprints such as Hot Creations, Solid Grooves, and their own label, Gruuv. Kevin Knapp, a versatile vocalist and producer, brings a wealth of experience from his own career, including appearances at global institutions like fabric and Circo Loco.

Building Bridges in a Closed Industry

Reflecting on their trajectory, Audiojack emphasize that their success was built on human connections rather than just technical skill. They credit the late Martin Dawson and Paul Woolford for providing early, pivotal support when they were still unknowns. “Our label bosses, Ralph Lawson and Damian Lazarus, have also shaped our trajectory more than any gig or release,” the duo notes.

Today, they pay that support forward through their label, Gruuv. By championing early releases from artists like PAWSA, Black Loops, Emanuel Satie, and no.capz, they aim to create space for talent that might otherwise be overlooked. “The industry can be surprisingly closed off, especially to newer artists without big reach and budgets,” they explain. “If your music moves us and we dig your vibe, then we are listening.”

Visibility Versus Talent

The duo remains candid about the challenges facing modern artists. They argue that the current industry, heavily driven by metrics, often prioritizes marketing budgets and content output over raw musical ability. “The challenge is making sure we are not confusing visibility with talent,” they state. While they acknowledge that talent is still a prerequisite, they note that it is no longer sufficient on its own in an era where artists are expected to function as full-time content creators.

Addressing the broader issue of lineup diversity and industry gatekeeping, Audiojack point out that individual DJs often have limited influence over major festival bookings, which are frequently controlled by a small number of powerful agencies. Their advice for broadening perspectives is simple yet profound: travel, engage with different cultures, and remain curious. “The more you do that, the harder it becomes to see things in simplistic terms,” they conclude.

Ultimately, for Audiojack, the creative process remains a privilege. Whether they are collaborating in the studio or sharing the booth for a back-to-back set, their focus remains on genuine communication. As they remind themselves on their latest record: “If you really want that thing, you gotta go out there and get it.”